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A smiling girl

A smile is something that has the power to influence your mood and the mood of the people around you. Unfortunately, many people often hide their smiles because they are embarrassed about their teeth. Luckily, cosmetic dentistry offers many solutions to common issues such as chipped, broken, and stained teeth.

Before we go into the 5 things to look for in a cosmetic dentist, let us briefly discuss what it is and why patients may decide to go for it.

Types of Cosmetic Dentistry

We ask a lot of our teeth, and understandably that means they are subject to wear and tear. Injuries and misalignments can lead to chipped and broken teeth and unsightly gaps appearing between the teeth. Also, if you are a fan of coffee or tea, then your teeth are at risk of staining, but everyday eating habits can cause your teeth to be anything other than pearly white.

As you can see, just going about your daily life can affect the health and appearance of your teeth. For most patients, a thorough daily cleaning routine will reduce the risk of severe staining, but injuries and wear and tear are things that we can’t avoid.

There are many kinds of cosmetic dentistry solutions available depending on the problems you are having with your teeth, and all of them are designed to give you a confident, vibrant smile.

Examples of current solutions include:

  • Teeth Whitening
  • Bonding
  • Veneers
  • Crowns and Bridges
  • Dental Implants
  • Teeth Straightening

If you feel that one of these solutions is right for you, then it makes sense to look at the following five factors before choosing a dentist.

Check the Credentials

This is the first thing you should check when you start your search for a cosmetic dentist. Search on the website of the dentists to see if they have any accreditation; many of the procedures mentioned above require special training, so look to see if they have the necessary credentials.

Feedback

Look for testimonials and reviews online, and ask your friends and family for recommendations. If someone has a lot of positive feedback and a good reputation, then you should feel safe to proceed with an initial consultation.

During the consultation, have a clear picture of what you are looking for and whether you feel comfortable with the dentist.

Clear Communication

Having a cosmetic dentist who uses the most modern technology and procedures is excellent, but if they don’t explain the what, how, and the why of it all, then you are likely to be confused. Don’t feel afraid of asking questions, no matter how stupid you think they might be.

If the dentist is not patient and able to offer a clear explanation of the different techniques, treatment time, recovery times, and whether anesthetic will be required, then you are better off looking elsewhere.

Realistic Goals

If a dentist promises you the world, then this should set off alarm bells. Your cosmetic dentist should perform an initial evaluation to decide on the best treatment option and what you should expect at the end of the treatment.

Cost and Insurance

If you are happy and want to proceed with the treatment, it is essential to understand what the options are for payment, as insurance does not cover many cosmetic dentistry procedures. Ask the dentist what options are available regarding credit card payments or financing.